LizardSkin Heat and Sound Deadening Insulation: Build Series Ep. #9
In Episode 9 of the Build Series, LizardSkin's product manager, Cody Watson joins Jeremy and team to demonstrate the installation of LizardSkin heat and sound insulation coatings. Advanced LizardSkin coating upgrades both comfort and performance in a camper van, with thermal insulation and sound deadening coatings that go far beyond traditional van insulation.
Key Points:
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LizardSkin 350-TIC Thermal Insulating Coating — A spray-on, water-based thermal barrier that withstands up to 350°F, reduces condensation, and helps your AC cool the interior about 45% faster than standard insulation. Class A fire-rated and designed for lasting performance.
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LizardSkin 300-SDC Sound Deadening Coating — A water-based, low-VOC coating that reduces vibration, mechanical noise, and road sound. It bonds to surfaces like wheel wells and walls while also preventing rust and corrosion.
In this episode, Jeremy shares a major milestone in his van build: completing the first stage of insulation using LizardSkin coatings. While Jeremy has been in the van industry for years, he admits he was new to this product. That changed when he stepped into a demo van on a blazing hot day.
Parked in full sun, the demo van had LizardSkin applied to its walls — and the difference was dramatic. Instead of the interior feeling hotter than outside (a typical van problem), it actually felt cooler. Even surfaces exposed to direct sunlight weren’t hot to the touch. That moment convinced Jeremy to integrate LizardSkin into his own all-weather build.
Why LizardSkin?
To show how it works, Jeremy invited Cody Watson from LizardSkin Coatings to the shop. Cody explained the two water-based acrylic products used in this build:
- LizardSkin 300-SDC Sound Deadening Coating — Damps vibration, reduces road and mechanical noise, and prevents rust and corrosion.
- LizardSkin 350-TIC Thermal Insulating Coating — Uses ceramic microspheres to block conduction, convection, and radiant heat transfer, keeping interior surfaces cooler in direct sun.
Both products spray on easily, clean up with water, and cure quickly. Cody recommends two 20-mil coats of sound deadening followed by two coats of thermal insulation after a 24-hour cure period.
Installation Details
Jeremy’s van received a full treatment:
- Sound coating: Floor, walls, ceiling, and rear doors.
- Thermal insulation: Everywhere the sun hits (walls, ceiling, doors), layered directly over the sound coat.
Time & Cost Breakdown:
- 2x 5 gallon LizardSkin OEM sound control ($840)
- 2x 5 gallon LizardSkin OEM thermal insulation ($870)
- Spray kit ($195) and extra cup ($30)
- Total: ~$1,935 + shipping
- Labor time: 2 days (6–8 hours active work)
The process requires careful prep — masking off surfaces, scuffing the metal, wiping with isopropyl alcohol — but once spraying begins, the coatings apply evenly and bond seamlessly to irregular van panels.
Real-World Heat Test
To measure performance, Jeremy parked his van in 90° weather with one untreated door and one LizardSkin-treated wall in direct sunlight. Using a heat gun, he recorded:
- Untreated surface: ~122°F
- Treated surface: ~100–103°F
That’s nearly a 20° difference. Beyond the numbers, Jeremy noted the treated panels never became uncomfortably hot to touch, unlike untreated surfaces, which quickly grew too hot to rest a hand on.
Who Benefits Most from LizardSkin?
- Van lifers seeking maximum insulation and sound control.
- Anyone traveling in hot or humid climates where AC struggles.
- Pet owners, needing passive protection from interior overheating.
- Builders with limited wall space who need a thin, efficient insulation alternative.
Key Takeaways
- Complete protection: Offers complete system for spray-on sound deadening and thermal insulation.
- Proven performance: Cuts surface temps by nearly 20°F in heat tests.
- Efficient installation: Spray-on, water-based coatings are easy to apply and clean up.
- Slim profile: Provides high performance without bulky layers.
- Worth the investment: Around $1,935 for materials and two days of work.
Ready for the full installation?
Van Land customers receive a full installation video with every LizardSkin purchase, and Van Land Club members get free access to exclusive walkthroughs and behind-the-scenes content.
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